June 26, 2025
- College Heights
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
In the midst of the heaviness of life, whether it is guilt, grief, or just the daily shipwreck of the news, I know for me, gathering together as a community sustains me. It is why I am so looking forward to this coming Sunday for our annual church picnic. Any time we come together to share a meal, I am always reminded that sharing a meal as a community goes far beyond just satisfying hunger—it nurtures connection, strengthens relationships, and fosters a sense of belonging. When we gather around food, we create space for conversation, laughter, and the exchange of stories and traditions. It breaks down barriers, encourages understanding, and builds trust. In times of joy or difficulty, communal meals remind us that we are not alone, reinforcing the bonds that hold us together as a community. Simply put, eating together is one of the most human ways we build unity and care for one another.
See you Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. June's Giving Sunday offering is for the UCC's Strengthen the Church fund. This offering helps build up the churches in our denomination.
The Church Council recently clarified what monies in the collection plate go to our Giving Sunday recipient each month. On the first Sunday of the month (the "Giving Sunday"), the whole plate goes to the designated nonprofit. Any other time during the month you can contribute by way of a check with the name of the nonprofit in the memo line.
Recent sermons
Check out our YouTube page to see recent sermons. Go to our archive of slides to see bulletins and slides used during recent services.
Recordings of our Taize services are also on the YouTube page.
Upcoming services and events
Spring Meeting of the Golden Gate Association of the NCNC: Saturday, June 21, 9am-1pm, First Filipino American UCC, San Bruno. See Polly or Jorge for more info.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, June 26, 7pm on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to join a discussion of Laura Lynne Jackson's "The Light Between Us." She's a psychic medium and the book is a collection of her experiences. (You're welcome to join the discussion even if you haven't read the book. Communication with spirits of people who have died is always a fascinating subject.) In addition to continuing our discussion of mediums on the 26th, we'll have a presentation about orbs, another energy manifestation often associated with spirits of those who have died..
Book Group: Sunday, June 29, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life" by Agnes Callard. Read chapters 5-7, on paradoxes. We are spending several months on this book.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, July 6 after worship. Everyone is welcome.
Women's Retreat: Aug 22-24 (weekend before Labor Day) at Pacific Grove. Talk to Polly for more information.
Links and resources
Santa Cruz Pride Parade, public libraries' book cart marchers
Quote of the week
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9Tubman
Weekly events
• Meditation group: Wednesdays at 7:30 am.
In person at the church building
• Sunday worship: 10 am
In person at the church building
• Church Office Hours: Thursdays 2:30pm-5:30pm, in person at the church building.
To schedule an appointment please call or text 510-754-6796 or email xicanominister@gmail.com.
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